Police discuss driver, investigation into fatal hit-and-run

Chief: Former city attorney not arrested, charged at this time

After Rutland police investigated the hit-and-run that killed 71-year-old Mary Jane Outslay on Strongs Avenue on Wednesday night, they say they came away with little information about the driver responsible -- that is, until the next morning, when they got a call from 53-year-old Christopher Sullivan's lawyer.

"Mr. Sullivan, through his attorney, identified himself as the operator of the car that was registered to him, that was involved in striking something on Strongs Avenue around the time of the accident that killed Ms. Outslay," said James Baker, chief of police.

Sullivan is the former attorney for the city of Rutland.

As of Friday, Sullivan had not been arrested and the case has been turned over to the the Vermont Attorney General's office.

Rutland resident Emma Martens is upset Sullivan isn't in custody.

"Rutland PD should be able to arrest him, just like they arrest every other citizen around here," she said.

At a news conference on Friday, police said they understand the community's frustration and bristle at suggestion that Sullivan is getting special treatment.

"For anyone to think that he is being treated any differently is ludicrous. I don't even know the man," said Baker.

In the meantime, officers are still working on their investigation. They've looked at Sullivan's car.

"The car had damage that was consistent in being involved in an auto-pedestrian crash," said Baker. "It had extensive hood and windshield damage."

As for the cause of the accident, police said alcohol and speed have not been ruled out. They wouldn't say if the victim might have been in the wrong.